Sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

Former Gator basketball player Patric Young participates in Gator Walk during Championship Reunion Weekend on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024.

SPORTS | FEATURES

Joyful purpose: Patric Young’s inspirational legacy lives on at 629 Open

By Max Tucker | Sep. 23

Patric Young hasn’t let the hardships get the best of him throughout his life. In fact, he’s thrived in moments of adversity to create a heartwarming organization better known as the Patric Young Foundation. The two-time All-SEC honoree and 1,000-career point scorer, who reached three Elite Eights and a Final Four with the Florida men’s basketball team, appreciates life today more than ever, he said.

The Florida soccer team huddles pregame before its match with the Arkansas Razorbacks Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022.

SPORTS | BLOGS

Florida’s offense stagnant in first SEC loss against No. 6 Auburn

By Amanda Roman | Sep. 22

The Florida soccer team fell 1-0 to Auburn marking the Gators’ first SEC loss of 2024 Sunday.

Sophomore setter Alexis Stucky celebrates after winning a point during Florida’s 3-0 sweep over the Buffalo Bulls on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024.

SPORTS | BLOGS

Alexis Stucky returns to starting lineup, leads Florida to sweep against Buffalo

By Max Bernstein | Sep. 22

With redshirt sophomore setter Alexis Stucky back in the starting lineup, Florida volleyball fired on all cylinders with a dominant sweep victory over University at Buffalo.

Florida redshirt freshman Matthew Kress swings his club during the Southeastern Conference Championships Thursday, April 20, 2023. / Photo by Leslie White

SPORTS | BLOGS

Florida men’s golf finishes ninth at Fighting Illini Invitational

By Aiden Wacksman | Sep. 22

The Florida men’s golf team finished the first round of the Fighting Illini Invitational in second place. However, it was unable to continue its success and finished outside the top five.

Florida wide receiver Elijhah Badger reaches out to catch a pass during the Gators' game vs. the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Saturday, Sept. 21.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida’s offense looks sharp in much-needed SEC road victory against Mississippi State

By Max Tucker | Sep. 21

Amid heavy criticism from its fanbase, the Florida Gators football team desperately needed to execute at a high level against Mississippi State.They did just that behind a high-powered offensive performance in Starkville Saturday.

Florida quarterbacks Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway high five one another before the start of the Gator game against Texas A&M on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida vs. Mississippi State: Live updates

By Chandler Hawkes | Sep. 21

Follow along right here for live updates of today's matchup between Florida and Mississippi State.

Freshman setter Alexis Stucky sets up middle blocker Gabrielle Essix during Florida's match with LSU Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022.

SPORTS | BLOGS

Alexis Stucky returns in Florida’s sweep against North Texas

By Shaine Davison | Sep. 21

Florida (8-2) swept North Texas (2-8) in front of a moderately sized but energetic student section at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center Friday.

Junior defensive lineman Cam Jackson warms up before the Gators' 52-35 loss to the LSU Tigers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Defensive improvements crucial for UF ahead of Mississippi State

Sep. 20

It’s been difficult to pinpoint exactly what the biggest weakness is for Florida this season. From lackluster play at the line of scrimmage, to an inability to effectively run the football, there’s plenty of room for improvement.

Florida senior Taylor Baksay competes during a Sept. 23 game against Vanderbilt.

SPORTS | BLOGS

Florida opens SEC slate with tie against No. 20 Kentucky

By Jack Meyer | Sep. 19

Florida soccer opened up its SEC slate with a 0-0 draw against the No. 20 Kentucky Wildcats on Thursday night. Both squads combined for 24 fouls in what proved to be a physical match across the board.

Freshman wide receiver Eugene Wilson III runs with the ball past a Georgia defender in the Gators’ 43-20 loss against the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Eugene Wilson III, Joey Slackman both undergo knee surgery, timetable for returns unclear

By Jack Meyer | Sep. 19

Florida football will likely be without two of its top players in the coming weeks, as both wide receiver Eugene Wilson III and defensive lineman Joey Slackman have undergone knee surgery in the past week.

Sophomore Kennedy Martin and Senior Gabrielle Essix embrace each other prior to both of their returns from injury vs the Florida State Seminoles on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024.

SPORTS | BLOGS

Kennedy Martin’s return sparks comeback against Florida State

By Max Bernstein | Sep. 17

With sophomore outside hitter Kennedy Martin returning from injury, the Florida volleyball squad defeated Florida State in a five-set rivalry thriller Tuesday.

Florida football head coach Billy Napier leaves the field after being defeated by the Texas A&M Aggies on Saturday, Sept, 14.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

When and why Florida football head coaches were fired

By Max Tucker | Sep. 17

An alleged UF Board of Trustees meeting certainly won’t take Billy Napier off the hot seat at Florida. But the fan base may not see its head coach walk out the door as soon as they’d thought based on Florida's track record of firing coaches mid-season.

UF women's tennis coach Roland Thornqvist was pleased Friday afternoon with an impressive performance by the Florida doubles squads

SPORTS | BLOGS

The chase for the eighth: UF women’s tennis’ international change

By Noah White | Sep. 17

After seven seasons away from the national championship stage, Florida women’s tennis turns to a class of three international freshmen in hopes of securing its eighth NCAA title.

Gator quarterback Graham Mertz talks to a Florida coach before the game against Texas A&M on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Graham Mertz learning to “appreciate life for what it is” amid chaotic start to season

By Jack Meyer | Sep. 16

As tensions surrounding the Florida football program continue to rise, Gators quarterback Graham Mertz has had to deal with a variety of professional and personal issues, both on and off the field.

Florida tennis player Henry Jefferson finishes a swing during a doubles match against North Florida on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024.

SPORTS | BLOGS

Florida turns in quality performance at SEC Challenge to open Fall slate

By Carston Handy | Sep. 15

With Florida serving its way back into action, the Gators opened their Fall slate at the SEC Challenge and expectations were high. UF found success and put its talents on display for the to start the season on a high note.

Freshman Qavia Lopez slams a hit in the Gators women's tennis 6-1 win against Baylor.

SPORTS | BLOGS

Florida closes out eventful weekend at Kitty Harrison Invitational

By Noah White | Sep. 15

Florida women’s tennis opened the 2024 fall season facing Old Dominion, Duke and North Carolina at the Kitty Harrison Invitational.

Freshman forward Lena Bailey passes the ball in the Gators' 1-0 victory against the Maryland Terrapins Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023.

SPORTS | BLOGS

Florida unable to break through in draw against Florida Gulf Coast

By Amanda Roman | Sep. 15

Coming off a dominant victory Thursday, Florida was looking to win its last non-conference matchup of the season. Despite seemingly maintaining control of the match throughout, Florida’s offense struggled to capitalize on multiple opportunities to secure a victory.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida flatlines in disheartening loss to Texas A&M

By Jack Meyer | Sep. 14

In what many pegged as Florida’s chance to right the ship in what has been a rocky 2024 campaign, the Gators fell apart in their 33-20 loss to the Texas A&M Aggies Saturday.

Redshirt junior center Kingsley Eguakun hikes the ball to redshirt junior quarterback Graham Mertz in the Gators' 29-16 win against the Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida vs. Texas A&M: Live Updates

Sep. 14

Follow along here for live updates throughout the Gators matchup against Texas A&M.

Gators women's tennis sophomore Rachel Gailis goes for a forehand shot in the women's tennis team's match against Baylor on Saturday, January 20, 2024.

SPORTS | FEATURES

Gators women’s tennis prepares for 2024-25 campaign ignited by redemption

By Noah White | Sep. 13

Coming off of its fifth consecutive season finishing outside of the top 10, Florida women’s tennis looks to find a way back to its championship ways as the 2024 campaign is officially underway.